Birmingham’s bin strikes are set to end after a year-long pay dispute after a deal was struck between the city council and the biggest trade union Unite.
Council leader John Cotton announced that an end to the long-running strike is “within sight” after a breakthrough in the bitter dispute over jobs and pay.
The dispute flared over council plans to remove a role in its waste recycling and collection service which it insisted was necessary to make improvements and bring the service in line with other local authorities.
Unite said the move would lead to pay cuts of around £8,000 for hundreds of its members, a figure the council has always disputed.
Rubbish piled up on Birmingham’s streets, leading to residents complaining about it being a health hazard.
Mr Cotton said: “After months of frustration and delay, for the first time in over 12 months, a negotiated settlement to end the bin strike is now within sight.
“This has been a challenging and complex process, but after months of hard work, on the principles and parameters of a deal, I believe a new, improved offer can be made and terms can be put in place that addresses the ballpark issues discussed at Acas, that Unite members can agree in order to end the strike once and for all.
“A deal that would be good for the workforce, represent good value for money and would not repeat the mistakes of the past and risk creating new structural equal pay liabilities.
“I want our workforce to be able to return to work and help us deliver the quality refuse and recycling services the people of this city deserve. That’s why, throughout this dispute, I have resisted those who would dismiss the striking workers instead of negotiating.
“I have instructed officers to move forward with negotiations so that we can bring this matter to a close.”
The breakthrough was announced just over a week before the local council elections.
No details were given about the deal.
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